1,000 flee, 1 dead, as Oklahoma wildfire spreads

Firefighters facing another hot and windy forecast today worked to battle a large wildfire in Oklahoma that destroyed at least six homes and left one person dead after a controlled burn spread out of control.
The fire department said about 1,000 people yesterday evacuated their homes in the Guthrie about 56 kilometres north of Oklahoma City. Guthrie Fire Department Chief Eric Harlow said a 56-year-old man who did not leave was found dead in his home last night.
The wildfire broke out yesterday afternoon and by 9 pm had burned up to 15 square kilometres of land as well as several homes, Harlow said. The fire was still burning today and threatening about 150 additional homes; Harlow said the blaze was about 75 per cent contained.

Temperatures later today were expected to hit 38 Celsius, with winds gusting from the south at 33 mph.
Tomorrow's winds were expected to be higher still, enhancing the risk of the fire spreading further.
The Guthrie Fire Department said six homes were destroyed but that the number of damaged or destroyed homes would likely rise. Fire department crews assessed the fire and damage by helicopter.

Two Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters from the Army National Guard were being sent in to help put water on the fire, with a third on standby, said Capt. Stan May of the Oklahoma Incident Management Team said.

Tony Ergang, 47, was among those who heeded the evacuation warning. Ergang, who lives in a mobile home, stayed as long as possible yesterday night and watched as the flames drew closer before finally heading to a hotel.
He came back today morning to survey the damage and found smoke damage to the inside of his home and burns on the outside. He fared better than a neighbour whose home was destroyed, with two burnt cars, a grill, a burnt wooden chair, two lawn mowers and an above-ground pool the only discernible items left.
"It's one of those things," he said. "It's like a tornado that tears through a house, leaving a napkin folded on the dining room table."

The American Red Cross set up a shelter at a church in Guthrie for those affected by the fire.
The next rain was forecast for Wednesday, when winds were expected to gust up to 39 mph, the National Weather Service said.